Hollywood actress Charlize Theron is moving back to South Africa to take up a lead role on a popular local television series.

The Oscar winning star put Benoni on the map when she won the coveted award for the film Monster in 2004.

Theron said coming back to live in the country of her birth was in the "national interest" and she wanted to give back to South Africa.

She will be taking on the role of Candy Kendel in the daily series Isidingo.

"They offered me a lot of money and I said I have to do it," remarked Theron.

Charlize, who has been based in Los Angeles for the past 15 years, claimed she gave up starring in a new movie called Son of my Sorrow to return home. 

Isidingo’s head of awards and acquisitions said they hope Theron’s appearance on the drama series will increase the number of SAFTAs it receives at this year’s ceremony.